Sectional block for stereotype-plates



K (No-Model.)

1*.KBBPER- SEGT-IONAL BLOCK PORSTEREOTYPEPLATES.

Patented Deo. 5, 1882.`

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` sectional block vcomposed of tive sectionsblock.

guide; Fig. 3, a cross-section through one of UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK KEEEE'E, or cnIoAGo, ILLINOIS.

`SECTlONAl BLOCK FOR STEREOTYPE-PLATES.

SPECIFICATION :forming part of Letters Patent No. 268,688, dated December 5, 1882.

4 Application ledAugustl, 1881. (No model.) f

1'0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANK KEEFER, a citizen of the United States, residingin Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a certain new and useful Sectional Block for Stereotype-Plates, of which the following is a specin'cation.

My invention relates to improvements in sectional blocks in which any number of a series of sections maybe arranged contiguous to each other to form blocks for supporting varying sizes of stereotype-plates, the sections at the four corners of such blocks being provided with clamping mechanism for holdingA the plate.

The object of my invention is to furnish a namely, one center and four corner sections,

and fitting into corresponding recesses in the corners of the center section, they` whole of which is adapted to mount any sized plate, either by adjusting the clamping devices embedded in the corner sections or by changing the center section. l attain these objects by devices illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure l is aperspective of a sectional block embodying my invention Fig. 2, a plan view. of one of the ratchet-lugs detached from its the sectionsand clamping device, and Fig. 4 a perspective of one of the extension-plates.

A B O D represent four rectangular-shaped blocks having the required thickness for and forming the four corner pieces of my sectional E represents the main body of my block,` consisting of a single piece, cross or X shape, in form, thel angles of which correspond with and are adapted to receive the corner blocks, A B C D. The block E corresponds in outer dimensions with the size of the required plate to be supported, and its angles, receiving the corner blocks, correspond with such blocks withoutregard to thedimensions of the block E.

It will readily be understood that, when having a set of the corner blocks, any size of block required for aparticularstereotype-plate may be quickly and readily made by taking a solid block ot' corresponding size, and recessing such block to receive the corner sections.

In view of the fact that devices are required for clamping th'e plate to the supporting-block, and that such devices may be permanentlysecured to the corner blocks, it will be understood that when having the cornerl blocks at hand a block may beformed of the required size `for the particular plate to be used-by vsized block.

lntsectional blocks heretofore referred to, where more than four sections are used, each section is subject to a side and end pressure from at least two sections of the sameseries, so that when being locked in the chase, if the pressure of the furniture is greater on one side than on the other, there is danger of its losing its rectilineal shape. My invention avoids this difficulty by having the four corner sections bear against the solid sides of the rectangular recesses in the corners of the center section. This cross shaped block or section indicates of itself the size of block which it will form, and may be marked accordingly, or the plate placed" upon it so as to be readily and quickly selected and the corner sections attached,thus saving no inconsiderable amount of time and labor in mounting plates. l

Corner section A is recessed to receive a countersunk plate having upon.one side a ratchet-bar, a, and provided with flanges form ing guides for a ratchet-lug, u', beveled upon one edge, leaving a space between it and the countersunk plate for a wedge-key, a2, which, when inserted, serves to lock the ratchet-lug with theratchet-teeth ofthe plate. This ratchet lug is provided with a stud, l, adapted to engage with the edge of the plate, the whole forming a clamping or tightening device for holding the stereotyy'e-plate on the block.

Section B is pro vided with two similar clamp ing devices arranged at right angles to each other, and adapted to embrace one corner of the plate,while section D is provided with but one such device.

Sections A C are recessed uponone edge to IOO receive plates 2 3, the projecting lugs 4 5 of which respectively are beveled to correspond with the beveled edge of the stercotypeplate which they hold, and project over the edge of the block, so as to prevent the furniture between'the blocks from rising.

Sections C I) are provided with lug-plates 6 7, respectively, similar in construction, except that the inner faces ot' the lug are vertical, to correspond with theopposing edge of thestereotype-plate, which always has one vertical edge, and are perforated to receive corresponding pins upon small metal plates b b, designed to be interposed between the lugs and the edge of' an electroplate having somewhatless length than the block, which may have been made fora slightly longerplate, thus accommodating the block to plates at slight variance in length. v Lugs 6 7 may of course be substituted for lugs 4 5, if deemed necessary; but usually electroplates approximating a given or standard size will varyin length, but not in Width.

Sections B D are also provided upon their outer edges With eountersunk L-plates 6 7, the upper ends of Which are in plane With the face ot' the sections, but project sufficiently to hold down the furniture in the same manner as the lug-plates above described.

After putting the sections ot` the blocks togetherl and securing itin a chase, and then placing the plate u-pon the block with one side and end edge abutting against lugs 4 5 6 7, it will be seen that by tightening the ratchetlugs and securing them in place by inserting the Wedge-keys the plate will be held firmly.

Having thus described my invention, what l. In a sectional block for stereotype-plates, the combination, with the block having its four corners cut away to form recesses, and having fouroutward bearing surfaces, of a series ot' removable sections carrying suitable clamping mechanism and filling said recesses, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. In a sectional block, a cross or X shaped block, in combination With sections Iitting in the angles of said cross to form a rectangular block, substantially as'described and shown.

3. 'A stereotype-plate block provided with a tightening device consistin gof a recessed plate having a ratchetbar, a lug engaging With said bar, a stud upon said lug adapted to engage with the plate, anda Wedge-key, substantially as described and shown.

4. The electrotype-plate block having attached to its outer edges one or more studplates adapted to support the edges of the plate, and provided with projections extending outside ot' the edge of the block, for pre venting the furniture, &c., from rising, as described and shown.

5. The combination, With the block having studs supporting the edges ot' the plate, and perforated as described, of extension-plates entering said pelt'orations, substantially as described and shown.,

FRANK KEEFER.

Witnesses:

JN0. G. ELLIOTT, WILL. C. WHITNEY.

I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, 

